FBI presents Duval Schools Parent Academy with FBI Director’s award

WASHINGTON D.C. — Duval Schools Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools was presented with the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) on Friday, May 5, recognizing their outstanding efforts in preventing crime and protecting children from online predators.

The award was presented by FBI Director Christopher Wray during a ceremony held at FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C.

The Parent Academy staff, including Program Supervisor Regan Copeland, Specialist Ashely VanDenMeirack, and Specialist Christina Riquelme, accepted the award on behalf of their organization.

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The FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award is presented annually to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to crime prevention and violence reduction in their communities. The Parent Academy was recognized for its remarkable efforts in partnering with the FBI Jacksonville Community Outreach Program and the Jacksonville Violent Crimes Against Children squad.

In 2018, the Parent Academy collaborated with the FBI to develop the “Be Smart with Your Kids Smartphone” program. The initiative aimed to educate parents, caregivers, and educators about the latest technologies and apps that predators exploit to target local youth. Over 2,000 individuals have participated in the program, equipping them with knowledge and strategies to keep children safe in the digital age.

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Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks, who attended the ceremony, praised the partnership with the Parent Academy, stating, “Partnering with the Parent Academy has enabled FBI Jacksonville to bring greater awareness to local parents about the ways predators make contact with their kids. As a result, parents have become more involved in their children’s online lives, providing us with crucial information that has allowed our special agents to take action and prevent further abuse. Thanks to our collaboration with the Parent Academy team, local families are now safer.”

Expressing their gratitude, the Duval County Public Schools Parent Academy emphasized the importance of the partnership and the recognition received.

They stated, “The Parent Academy is deeply honored and grateful for this prestigious recognition. This incredible partnership has expanded the reach of the Parent Academy, empowering us to educate and support our families and their students. The safety and well-being of children are essential for quality education, and this collaboration equips parents and caregivers with additional tools to protect their children.”

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